Caretaker trainer appointed for Forest Lodge

1 year ago

Darren Weir's finance and operations manager will oversee Weir's Forest Lodge stable at Ballarat on an interim basis.

Racing Victoria (RV) stewards have given their tick of approval for Mick Leonard – a long-time employee and friend of Weir – to take the reins until a trainer is found to take over on a permanent basis.

Leonard sent an email to stable clients on Tuesday: "As an interim measure I, Mick Leonard, have been approved by RVL stewards as caretaker trainer for Forest Lodge.

"The stables are able to be used whilst we negotiate for a new trainer to take over the Forest Lodge operation. Discussions between Ballarat Turf Club and these trainers are well advanced and we hope for an announcement as soon as possible.

"The trainer most likely to take over is a person of high regard in the industry. Naturally, your option to subsequently select a different trainer of your choice is not affected by the interim arrangements.

"Any horse in the early and middle stages of its preparation will continue to be trained at Forest Lodge. Our existing staff will care for these horses with the same skill, knowledge and commitment that they have always demonstrated. In the interim we are not allowed to trial or race horses.

"This is obviously a period of great duress for the stable and our staff in particular. We would very much appreciate our owners' continued support whilst we arrange the transfer of our premises to the incoming trainer. This support will ensure our staff are employed on an on-going basis, which is a major concern of myself, Darren and Racing Authorities."

Weir will appear before the Racing and Appeals Disciplinary (RAD) Board on Wednesday, as RV stewards seek to have the leading trainer disqualified for four years over charges relating to jiggers being found in his stable, as well as conduct prejudicial to the image of racing.

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